Ugly Hedgehog - Photography Forum
Home Active Topics Newest Pictures Search Login Register
Main Photography Discussion
Unwanted reflections in night shots
Page 1 of 4 next> last>>
May 1, 2019 09:02:56   #
mth412
 
I am shooting night time shots of my city (Pittsburgh), and notice that the lighted signs on buildings appear to be sharp, but often seem slightly out of focus / have a reflection. For example in the attached photo (1 second, F10, ISO 200), the lighted building signs (e.g. UPMC, Gateway Health, Wyndham) appear to be slightly out of focus, but almost seem to be "doubled".

Could this be caused by a UV filter on the lens creating a reflection, or is it just a case of needing a sturdier tripod??

Reply
May 1, 2019 09:06:17   #
CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City
 
Could be both. Could be something else. Posting an example and storing the original is the best way to discuss ideas.

Reply
May 1, 2019 09:11:32   #
Manglesphoto Loc: 70 miles south of St.Louis
 
mth412 wrote:
I am shooting night time shots of my city (Pittsburgh), and notice that the lighted signs on buildings appear to be sharp, but often seem slightly out of focus / have a reflection. For example in the attached photo (1 second, F10, ISO 200), the lighted building signs (e.g. UPMC, Gateway Health, Wyndham) appear to be slightly out of focus, but almost seem to be "doubled".

Could this be caused by a UV filter on the lens creating a reflection, or is it just a case of needing a sturdier tripod??
I am shooting night time shots of my city (Pittsbu... (show quote)


Its hard to help you without an image.
You could try shots with and without the filter.

Reply
 
 
May 1, 2019 09:12:05   #
FreddB Loc: PA - Delaware County
 
How much flicker does a neon sign produce in 1 second?

Reply
May 1, 2019 09:17:37   #
PixelStan77 Loc: Vermont/Chicago
 
mth412 wrote:
I am shooting night time shots of my city (Pittsburgh), and notice that the lighted signs on buildings appear to be sharp, but often seem slightly out of focus / have a reflection. For example in the attached photo (1 second, F10, ISO 200), the lighted building signs (e.g. UPMC, Gateway Health, Wyndham) appear to be slightly out of focus, but almost seem to be "doubled".

Could this be caused by a UV filter on the lens creating a reflection, or is it just a case of needing a sturdier tripod??
I am shooting night time shots of my city (Pittsbu... (show quote)


My sense is that it is your tripod. Are you using a remote trigger.If not becarefull you don't set up vibrations when you click the shutter. If so, redo the image without the UV filter.

Reply
May 1, 2019 09:18:53   #
Manglesphoto Loc: 70 miles south of St.Louis
 
FreddB wrote:
How much flicker does a neon sign produce in 1 second?


Ahhhhh, what does this have to do with the OP's question?

Reply
May 1, 2019 09:22:36   #
HOHIMER
 
FreddB wrote:
How much flicker does a neon sign produce in 1 second?


60

Reply
 
 
May 1, 2019 09:38:51   #
Manglesphoto Loc: 70 miles south of St.Louis
 
HOHIMER wrote:
60


Wouldn't that depend on what country your in? I think Europe and the U/K is 50 Hz

Reply
May 1, 2019 09:41:29   #
morkie1891
 
Where is photo?

Reply
May 1, 2019 09:53:57   #
HOHIMER
 
Manglesphoto wrote:
Wouldn't that depend on what country your in? I think Europe and the U/K is 50 Hz


True!

Reply
May 1, 2019 10:34:42   #
Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)
 
mth412 wrote:
I am shooting night time shots of my city (Pittsburgh), and notice that the lighted signs on buildings appear to be sharp, but often seem slightly out of focus / have a reflection. For example in the attached photo (1 second, F10, ISO 200), the lighted building signs (e.g. UPMC, Gateway Health, Wyndham) appear to be slightly out of focus, but almost seem to be "doubled".

Could this be caused by a UV filter on the lens creating a reflection, or is it just a case of needing a sturdier tripod??
I am shooting night time shots of my city (Pittsbu... (show quote)


Post a sample image with "store original" box checked. But from your description, I'd bet you need better support.

Reply
 
 
May 1, 2019 10:38:16   #
larryepage Loc: North Texas area
 
HOHIMER wrote:
60


Actually 120. But this would relate to exposure, not lack of sharpness.

Reply
May 1, 2019 10:40:29   #
via the lens Loc: Northern California, near Yosemite NP
 
mth412 wrote:
I am shooting night time shots of my city (Pittsburgh), and notice that the lighted signs on buildings appear to be sharp, but often seem slightly out of focus / have a reflection. For example in the attached photo (1 second, F10, ISO 200), the lighted building signs (e.g. UPMC, Gateway Health, Wyndham) appear to be slightly out of focus, but almost seem to be "doubled".

Could this be caused by a UV filter on the lens creating a reflection, or is it just a case of needing a sturdier tripod??
I am shooting night time shots of my city (Pittsbu... (show quote)


Is it windy where you are shooting? Night shots are shot at a slow shutter speed and the slightest movement could cause this type of effect. Also, I would remove any filters prior to shooting at night.

Reply
May 1, 2019 10:47:43   #
Haydon
 
Gene51 wrote:
Post a sample image with "store original" box checked. But from your description, I'd bet you need better support.


You're probably on the money. I doubt it would be shutter shock. Testing that could easily be done I suppose with mirror lock up.

Reply
May 1, 2019 11:34:37   #
Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)
 
Haydon wrote:
You're probably on the money. I doubt it would be shutter shock. Testing that could easily be done I suppose with mirror lock up.


I think it is shutter shock. And mirror lock up will most definitely address vibration caused by the mirror, but I doubt it will address micro vibrations caused by the combination of the shutter curtain opening and using a less than stable tripod.

It is hard to diagnose this without seeing the patient, however.

Reply
Page 1 of 4 next> last>>
If you want to reply, then register here. Registration is free and your account is created instantly, so you can post right away.
Main Photography Discussion
UglyHedgehog.com - Forum
Copyright 2011-2024 Ugly Hedgehog, Inc.